An eight year review of hospitalization for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

We analyzed the etiologic factors and trends of hospitalization for ovarian hospitalization syndrome (OHSS) resulting from the use of fertility medications. From May, 1986 through April, 1994, patients hospitalized with OHSS were exclusively admitted to the University Hospital. Analysis was performed with regards to treatment method, severity of hyperstimulation, and onset of disease. Overall, 14 patients were hospitalized for a rate per cycle of 0.1% (14/14, 283). The rate of admission for patients undergoing superovulation (9/12, 945; .07%) was significantly lower than for those undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART) (5/1, 338; .37%). The total number of injectable gonadotropin ampules used was also higher in patients admitted following ART versus superovulation. A significantly greater number of patients presenting with late developing hyperstimulation syndrome (5/7; 71.4%) manifested severe disease as opposed to those hospitalized with early onset OHSS (1/7; 14.3%). Our data suggest that hospital admission is an infrequent event following the use of fertility medications, and patients are more likely to be hospitalized with OHSS following ART than superovulation.